Measured Building Surveys

A measured building survey is either a 2D or 3D visual representation of an existing property, structure or site. It is captured using digital surveying techniques and employs the use of a laser scanner or total station to accurately capture the condition, elements and geometry of a building or area.

A measured building survey is required for property redevelopment, including pre-construction planning and design, construction progress monitoring and post-construction asset management. They provide highly accurate information that can be invaluable during any stage of a project's lifecycle.

By delivering data in 3D Revit format, it simplifies the process of making changes throughout the entire stages of development due to its ability to accommodate any aspect that may arise during each phase. It can also save time and costs by managing multiple sources into one unified medium that everyone involved in the project can easily access.

There are two steps in the process, the first being the site or property visit, this is followed by office processing that connects individual scans and produces a 3D point cloud.

Laser scanning is typically carried out by a two-man team, a scanner operator will collect data using a laser scanner which will produce a 3D coordinated point cloud, a surveyor will work alongside the scan operator, creating a grid system and coordinating the scans to the specified control network.

Data is processed off site in the office using a process called Registration, this process aligns and coordinates the scans, once registered, a 3D point cloud is created which allows various outputs, common deliverables are 2D CAD drawings and 3D Revit models.

By implementing the use of the latest laser scanning technology, site times are drastically reduced. A typical residential survey can be completed within 3 hours, with the post processing and the CAD completed off site in our offices.

The survey's duration can vary greatly depending on the size of the space being surveyed and the project's complexity. Additionally, bad weather or other delays may add extra time to the overall length of survey completion. Generally, planning for more rather than less time when scheduling a measured survey is better.

A measured survey cost can vary and is determined on the building size, access, level of detail and whether the building is live or inhabited.

For example, a typical furnished residential property with multiple rooms measuring approx. 100sqm (1000sqft) might require over 100 scans whereas an open plan warehouse space measuring 1000sqm (10,000sqft) may only require a dozen scans.

A survey specification will specify the required level of detail however a typical residential property survey will include, floor plans, external elevations, topographical survey and sections delivered in 2D DWG and PDF formats.

In addition to the above the survey can also include a roof plan (for loft extension purposes), Utility Survey, CCTV Survey